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Child Development

About Child Development more

The Concordia University, St. Paul Child Development program is conveniently offered in an online format.

Learners in the Child Development program will articulate developmentally appropriate practices and focus on advocacy and leadership in the field of early education. Courses in this program address the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for initial professional preparation. After completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Articulate the theories in the field of early education that support best practices;
  • Understand major developmental theories of early childhood education;
  • Define developmentally appropriate practices;
  • Articulate the role of families as the primary teachers, caregivers, and models in the lives of young children;
  • Create inclusive and effective learning environments for young children;
  • Develop a framework for making ethical decisions as an early childhood professional

Careers in Child Development more

Child Care Workers

Education Administrators

Elementary School Teachers

High School Teachers

Instructional Coordinators

Course for Child Development

CHD-400 Intro to ECE Available online

This seminar helps students grasp the breadth, depth, and foundations of early childhood education.

CHD-402 Writing for Educators Available online

Early childhood staff of all levels (directors, teachers, assistants, aides, family child care, etc.) must demonstrate professionalism as strong communicators not only verbally, but as writers, as well. This course will lay the ground work of writing expectations in the program, and serve to remediate as needed.

CHD-410 Growth/Development Child Available online

This is a broad sketch of human growth and development from pre-natal stages to elementary age. Developmental processes are studied from a biological and developmental perspective. Personality development and the effects of temperament on learning are discussed.

CHD-411 Child Social & Emotional Grwth Available online

This course studies teh social, psychological and emotional growth of children from prenatal to elementary ages.  Issues of attachment, perspective-taking and friendship are discussed.

CHD-422 Human Diversity & Relations Available online

The purpose of this course is to expand our understanding of the influences of gender, culture, economic situation, learning styles, and language on the socialization of children, and then how to use this new understanding to form the way we program for and interact with children.

CHD-430 Infants and Toddlers Available online

In this course, students will study the emerging skills and developmental characteristics of infants and toddlers. Course topics include environments that foster development, appropriate practices, and promoting the development of autonomy.

CHD-435 DAP in ECE Available online

This is a historical, present, and future perspective of developmentally appropriate practices. Appropriate classroom practices and current topics are discussed.

CHD-440 Children's Play and Learning Available online

Theories of Piaget, Parton, Erickson, and Vygotsky are studied to determine how children learn to play and the effect that play has on the childs development. Historical perspectives and effects of play on learning are reviewed.

CHD-445 Language Development/Literacy Available online

The research and stages of language development from birth through age seven are extensively explored. Students will understand how to guide children through the language acquisition process.

CHD-450 Children's Literature Available online

Using childrens books to develop literature-based curriculum is the emphasis of this course. There is a review of authors of childrens literature and an exploration of books for a variety of purposes.

CHD-451 Dual Language Learners Available online

This course will address the needs of the early childhood classroom professional. The course will move beyond the basics of child development to help educators understand the natural progression of second-language acquisition in young children.

CHD-461 Ethics in Early Childhood Available online

Classical and historical ethics are explored, as well as the student's personal values system.  Individuals face tough ethical decisions with increasing frequency in our society and a freamwork for addressing those questions is needed.  Each student will develop a system for making ethical decisions in their personal and professional life.

CHD-482 Young Child with Special Needs Available online

This course is designed to introduce the student to the information and techniques needed to develop curricula and instruction to meet the unique needs of individual children in early childhood settings. Special emphasis is given to the theories, research, and practical application from the fields of both early childhood education and special education.

CHD-490 Portfolio and Synthesis Available online

This final course is designed to help learners reflect on all they have done in the BA program. Through guest speakers, research study, and reflection on practice, students will synthesize all they have learned. Preparation of a professional portfolio will cap the learning experience.
  1. Apply Online or Printable Application (PDF)

  2. A non-refundable application fee of $30, payable to Concordia University by check, money order or pay online

  3. Final and official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
    * If you have attended a MNSCU college or university we also ask that you provide an official accompanying DARS or MnTC goal area worksheet.  Concordia accepts completed goal areas.

  4. Statement of Goals - Write a brief statement covering your employment history and long-term academic and professional goals

Technology Requirements
Students enrolling in an adult undergraduate program must have access to a computer that meets Concordia University's technology requirements. Contact Concordia's Help Desk at helpdesk@csp.edu or 651-641-8866 with any questions regarding these requirements.

Fall 2012 Term

  • Start Date: Thursday, September 13, 2012
  • Delivery: Online
  • Class Day: Thursday
  • Chat Time: 6:00-6:45 p.m. CST

Spring 2013 Term

  • Start Date: Tuesday, January 15, 2013
  • Delivery: Online
  • Class Day: Tuesday
  • Chat Time: 8-8:45 p.m. CST

Summer 2013 Term

  • Start Date: Thursday, May 16, 2013
  • Delivery: Online
  • Class Day: Thursday
  • Chat Time: 8:00-8:45 p.m. CST


PROGRAM SCHEDULE

TERM 1 CHD400 | CHD402

TERM 2 CHD410 | CHD411

TERM 3 CHD422 | CHD435

TERM 4 CHD440 | CHD461

TERM 5 CHD430 | CHD445

TERM 6 CHD450 | CHD451

TERM 7 CHD482 | CHD490

Online, In-Class or Blended?

Offered Online?
Classes meet entirely online.

Offered In-Class?
Classes meet face-to-face at our St. Paul campus or other off-campus location.

Offered Blended?
Course work is completed through a combination of in-class and online class meetings.

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